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When food supplies run low, grocery shelves can empty faster than expected. Having a few basics set aside can make a big difference during that time.
Stocking your pantry with long-lasting, reliable items helps you stay prepared and keeps meals on the table while things get back to normal. Here are 13 items worth keeping on hand in case food becomes harder to find.
1. Rice
Did you know white rice can last up to 30 years if stored in an airtight container? Rice is a store cupboard staple that can be used to create a versatile range of hunger-beating meals.
20 Rice Recipes You’ll Love Making Again and Again
2. Canned Meats
Canned meats may not be my favorite foodstuff, but they provide a valuable source of protein that can be used in a variety of dishes. Canned chicken, beef, and turkey are shelf-stable for several years when stored in a cool, dark pantry.
3. Shelf-Stable Milk
In times of food shortages, fresh milk is often hard to find. UHT milk can be stored for several months without refrigeration, while powdered milk can last even longer when kept in a sealed container.
4. Canned Vegetables
Canned vegetables such as
5. Pasta
Pasta is an easy-to-cook carbohydrate that can be paired with many different sauces, making it a staple emergency food. Most dried pasta can be stored for up to two years in a cool, dry place.
30 Pretty Vegetarian Pasta Recipes
6. Flour
In the event of a food shortage, baked goods are one of the first things in short supply. And we’re not just talking bread here – pancakes, waffles, muffins, cakes, and pizza all need flour too! Stock up on a range of different flours to ensure your family doesn’t have to go without their favorite bakery snacks.
How to Make White Bread in a Bread Maker
7. Sugar & Honey
Sugar and honey both have an extremely long shelf life, as proved by the fact that archeologists found a 3000-year-old in Tutankhamun’s tomb which was still edible! Ensure your pantry is well stocked with sugar and honey for baking, sweetening, and making preserves.
How to Make Hard Brown Sugar Soft Again
8. Canned Fish
Canned fish such as tuna, salmon, and sardines are excellent sources of protein and healthy fats. When combined with dried goods such as pasta and tuna, canned fish can be used to make a variety of delicious meals.
9. Cooking Oils
Cooking oils are a useful source of energy and are essential for cooking and baking. Olive oil and canola oil can last up to two years if stored in a cool, dark place, while coconut oil can last even longer.
10. Tomato Products
Canned tomatoes and tomato paste can be used to add flavor and richness to sauces, soups, and stews.
11. Salt
Salt is not only used for seasoning, but it is also the key ingredient in many food preservation methods. Salt never goes bad – store it in a dry place to prevent clumping, and it will last indefinitely.
14 Surprising Uses for Salt That Don’t Involve Cooking
12. Powdered Eggs
Powdered eggs are a good source of protein and nutrients. They can be used in baking or rehydrated for scrambled eggs. This pantry essential has a long shelf life when kept in a sealed container, making it ideal for periods when fresh eggs are scarce.
13. Dried Beans
Dried beans are a rich source of protein and fiber and have a long shelf life of up to 2-3 years when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. My favorites are black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans, but there are many more types to choose from.
How to Start Canning at Home
Canning the food you harvest is an excellent way to boost your self-reliance. Canning is one method for preserving food from the garden season to the last year-round. If you are new to canning, this article will help you learn about the methods, resources, and equipment you will need to start canning at home.
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